Kimberly Arnold, Dayton Catering, OH

Almost exactly 4 years ago, I was waiting on a DoorDash order at the Centerville joint. I was on a leave as a restaurant manager for a different company due to my husband being very sick. I was paying bills by being a DoorDasher. While I was waiting I had the opportunity to speak to a City BBQ caterer who was loading a catering vehicle for an event. During the conversation, he told me they were hiring catering staff. When I explained that the schedule had to be flexible due to how ill my husband was, he asked if he could pray with me. That moment changed my life! I felt like I had finally found a place that cared about their employees. A few days later, I started the interview process with Josh and Jeremiah Ruxer, and after the interviews I was even more convinced that this was somewhere I wanted to work. A couple of months later, my husband passed and City BBQ was very supportive even though I was new kid in the block. Eventually I moved from the catering ops side to helping the wedding specialist with tastings and learning as much as I could. Now, 4 years later, I am the Wedding Events Specialist for the Dayton market. I am proud to work for City BBQ and eternally grateful that I have the opportunity to make people’s lives better by creating and serving happiness one bride at a time! I have learned what it is like to be part of an amazing team who really care about the food, service, and especially each other!

Karina Roberts, Woodstock, GA

I have been with this wonderful company for a year now. What sets City BBQ apart from other companies is how we have our mission which is “To set the standards others follow” and every joint strives to meet our mission daily. Also, our purpose “to serve and create happiness” is also a goal to meet by the end of the day. I have always followed that purpose statement and make sure every guest leaves with a smile or a good experience! The person I’ve worked with at City BBQ that has affected my life is Andre. He has been the assistant general manager at my location and he has done his very best to help us all grow within the company. He gives you the best advice on how to try wording things differently. How to be able to be successful and engage more with the guests. Most importantly he encourages everyone to have a good time and to go above and beyond.

Zachary Collins, Garner, NC

5 years ago, I was looking for a job and ate at City BBQ almost once a week or every two weeks so I applied, got interviewed, and, well, since then I have been promoted every year of being with City BBQ. Started as a front of house employee, a year later Shift Manager, following year Assistant Manager. Then became a career when I got the chance to become an Assistant General Manager. Now looking back 5 years ago today I don’t think I’d be able to say I’m one of the few that gets to call themselves a General Manager for City BBQ and while also relocating for a great company moving from Columbus where I lived 27 years to now calling Raleigh my new home. It just shows if YOU are willing to put the work in City BBQ is an amazing company and will give you the opportunity you deserve.

Mattie Robinette, Cincinnati Catering, OH

City Barbeque has help me get back on my feet in so many ways. I was out of a job for a little while due to a cancer diagnosis I received back in February. Once I was nearing the end of my treatment I decided I needed something to do to get back on my feet and help me recover. I applied at City BBQ just to start something and it was exactly what I needed. It was welcoming and helpful to know City BBQ was there to help me start with something with their catering company and allowed me to start slow back into the real world again for me.

Adrian Burton, Cincinnati Catering, OH

I've learned while working at CityBBQ to be the best caterer I can be. I even furthered that knowledge into taking culinary classes at CityLink in Cincinnati which I graduated with my servsafe in March 2024. Although I'd like to thank Josh for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to experience a new career in the food and hospitality industries. Also, thanks Steve for the training and encouragement that he provided when I began.

Emma Eppard, Upper Arlington, OH

Well, for starters, working at City Barbecue I have noticed that they look strongly for employees who are good at building a family of love and trust and making sure that customers get everything that they want in an order. And making sure that everything is well taking care of and making sure that they put love and effort into making their food and spending time with their employees. One person that changed my view on a lot of things is Tammy that works at my location. She’s one of the managers. She’s very lovely. I love her to death.

Jessica Schuetze, Wendell Falls, NC

Hard work makes a difference. The level of customer care taught to the employees. My shift leader Ryan has always made me feel like all the extra I do is appreciated. He sees that I go the extra mile.

Temple Rice, Indianapolis Catering, IN

My experience with City BBQ has affected me in several ways. First, I’ve learned about smoking barbecue and what sets us apart. The food is made from scratch and I am able to explain the process because I had to do it in Training for months. To be honest coming from a healthcare job I wasn’t sure I would get the good “feels” with barbeque, but I was wrong!! Providing great food and service has been life changing. I’ve become friends with so many of our guests!! My Indy catering team has become family! I love them tremendously. The person that I’ve worked with that has affected my life the most is Danielle Maloney! Originally, she was “my person” in sales support and did an amazing job assisting me with orders, quotes and guests. But more than that she’s become like a daughter to me. Best friends, family and now her family is my family. Her son and husband mean so much to me as well. They will forever be a part of my life. 2025 will be 10 years for me and every year we just get better in Indy! Thank you for trusting me with our product and guests!

Emily Zimbelmann, Cary, NC

I learned while working at City BBQ that we serve a lot of families that make memories here and with our food. What sets us apart is our passion we have with our food. We are super proud to serve it and our quality is high level. Working with James white has been huge for me. He has really showed me patience and whenever I have a concern, he takes it seriously and I enjoy and feel safe going to work when he is there.

Brian Logsdon, Deerfield, IL

What I have learned while working at City Barbeque is what real food should taste like. I learned the art of true Barbeque, and I learned much more about being a kitchen/food quality guy than I had ever learned in my previous 25 years in the industry. What sets City Barbeque apart from other companies is that we stand by our culture, we take care of and actually care about our team, from the CEO down to the 16-year-old kid. We also stand by our values: Backyard Hospitality and Competition Quality. Someone I’ve worked with that affected my life is my colleague and one time GM Sean Carroll, who taught me that you don’t need to be aggressive to be the best and that getting your team to buy in will change the culture, which changes results. I use those practices in life now and it’s changed my outlook on life.

Matt Henry, Greenwood, IN

Something I’ve learned from City Barbecue is the importance of teamwork, and communication. Without either of those the ship will sink. What sets us apart is the level of talent leadership-wise that makes us head and shoulders above the rest. Chris Royal was my training GM when I was hired on as an AM. He exemplifies City culture, values, and is an all-around amazing human being.

Jimmy Littlejohn, Wilmington, NC

Since I started at City BBQ, I've learned that after all these years (since I first worked in a dish room many years ago) I'm able to still keep pace and help close in a timely manner. What sets City BBQ apart in my personal opinion is the people I work with and the many options on the menu whereas years ago menus were very limited. I can't name just one person at City BBQ who has affected my life so I'll go with the whole management for being completely understanding of my full time job. That's why I give a 110% in any and everything I do at City BBQ. I see this place of business making history here in Wilmington NC thank you for letting me share my story.

Briana Liston, Medina, OH

It has taught me to be thoughtful. I create happiness every time I work a shift. It’s just a high-quality restaurant. I love it so much. We go above and beyond to make sure guests are satisfied. They have time to be caring, hard-working, and a loving person. I love City BBQ so much.

Lanie Johanns, Woodstock, GA

I moved to Georgia from Iowa and applied to work at City BBQ, I was welcomed with open arms and I have had an amazing experience so far and I hope I have many more amazing experiences to go!

Kamryn Beck, Fairfield, OH

Something I learned while working at City BBQ is it’s okay to work and have fun, to create memories. I think that’s something that also sets City BBQ apart from other companies is we can build memories and work at the same time it’s like a second family. Also, I think a lot of employees I’ve worked with have contributed into my life by advice and conversations we have opening my mind to other things.

Sabrina Grimes, University Place, NC

While working at city BBQ I have learned so much about teamwork and how that teamwork affects everything, even down to the small things. City BBQ is one of the only companies I see give back to the community as much as they do. Seth Band is someone who I work with at City BBQ who has positively affected my life. My father was diagnosed with a terminal cancer in February 2024 and passed away August 2024 and there wasn’t a day that went by or has gone by recently where he hasn’t been there for me emotionally, professionally and supportively. This has made my experience with City BBQ more amazing than it’s already been.

Diamond Mobley, Woodstock, GA

One of the things I learned the most while working at City Barbeque is patience. I think what sets City Barbeque apart from other companies is the general managers that they hire. I work with Stephen Shields as my general manager and the 20 plus years of me working I never had a manager that was so patient and really cared about his employees. He is loveable, teachable and compassionate; that truly says a lot about a company. My manager Stephen Shields really affected my life in a good way! I’ve learned patience in the short amount of time that I’ve known him and I’m more than thankful for him.

Nichole Brown, Training and Recruiting, OH

My story with City BBQ has been incredibly gratifying. I started with our brand more than 6 years ago (thanks to Steve Lilly...more on him shortly). Although I have learned a lot in my tenure, one of the most important takeaways has been my ability to adapt & stay calm, cool & collected simultaneously. I feel this attribute has made me a more successful contributor both in my professional life as well as my personal life. One if the distinctive things that sets City BBQ aside is our trust & autonomy in management. I believe that employees thrive at a brand where they feel trusted & valued. I have always felt this way & it’s one of those organizational characteristics that clearly sets us apart. Now back to the who has affected my life. My direct supervisor, Steve Lilly, has been an instrumental part of my growth & development. I always know where I stand & transparency is key to a solid working relationship. I receive positive reinforcement when I'm doing an amazing job & constructive feedback when I have opportunity to grow.

Theresa Snawder, Fort Wayne, IN

What I learned from working at City Barbeque is that everyone cares: the staff, the managers, and the catering crew! We all have a voice here and we are all heard! We matter to our company. What makes us different from other companies is that we put passion into our food and our voices to the customers! Not only are we upselling them our fantastic food, but we are giving them our feedback and making them feel like family to us all so that way they want to come back! Someone I work with that affected my life would have to be Justin! He always comes in with a smile on his face and he always gives his honest opinion whenever he comes in. He makes the effort to stop and talk to any one of us. He shakes our hand, gives us a fist, asks how we’re doing, and asks if we need anything. But at the same time he stands his ground for life. That is very important as a manager and someone in his position to come in and still interact with his employees and make sure everything is set to the standard that is supposed to be. Everybody gets excited when they see him. All I can say is that I love my job here at City Barbeque !

Carter See, Dublin Green, OH

City Barbeque has been great to me and very helpful and friendly overall.

Michel Keough, Market Leader, KY

City Barbeque has taught me that our passion for food, and our passion to develop our team go hand in hand. One will not exceed the other. In fact, success is achievable only by both working together. City Barbeque is different by its culture. Sure, there are a lot of companies out there that talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. From day one City Barbeque was founded with their people in mind. Tim Zombeck has helped guide me to become a better leader for my team. His constant positive reinforcement has been critical to my success.

Shakira Ward, Cary, NC

November 14th, 2024, marks my 10th anniversary at City BBQ in Cary NC. When I started working at City BBQ I fell in love. It was more than just a job everyone treated each other like family! This is what sets it apart from other companies. I have met some awesome people and grown so much along the way. I’ve worked various positions starting from FOH teammate, Catering, shift leader, training team, to now an assistant manager and have learned so much. Many people have help mold me along the way. I had two of the best GMs Jason Strickland and Al DiCaprio. They always stood by me and had my best interest at heart. They taught me no matter what to stay resilient! I started out working with Tariq Boykins and years later brought me on to the training team to help out. I now love going out to open new joints! Can’t forget LoLo Cauther: she molded me early helping me be the best version of me! Because of her I remember to stay true! Oh, and a special shoutout to Tim Zombek and Jessica Pyles for always looking out for us. Y’all rock!

Joshua Molitor, Rochester Rd, MI

So, I started work on Boards in November of 2023. It wasn’t that much of a challenge as I have worked in kitchens/restaurants for a large portion of my adult working career. I previously worked two doors down at Hungry Howie’s pizza, I worked there as a pizza man, manager, and then supervisor over the course of the last 12 years. I had reached the proverbial top rung of the "Ladder" if you will, and realized that I really had nowhere else to go up. Until one day when my delivery driver and friend of 10+ years took a delivery order to the BBQ place that was just about to open up next door. Wendy Holmquist (current FOH at 10078) took the order, applied for the job, brought me the information packet Ed had given her and I got to work reading. I came in a few weeks later, just after it opened and applied, figuring why not give it a chance? A year later I am Shift lead, working towards AM in hopes of having my own name on a front door one day. (Here’s hoping for a NC/SC store). Hungry Howie’s work was a lot more independent then at City, there was less moving parts, so we knew every aspect of every position to make sure things ran as smooth as possible. So far City BBQ has taught me to trust in all the moving parts and leave some of the work to those responsible for said work. I am still always more than willing to step in and help with prep, drop some hush puppies, pan up that coleslaw, while taking the approach of "I believe in you to be able to handle it, but I will step in and help well before you're overwhelmed."

Alaycia Coward, Greensboro Catering, NC

I learned a variety of foods, how they are supposed to look. I learned that the food is made from scratch and they go through a lengthy process to make sure the food is edible and tasting good for everyone. I believe they have the best quality and quantity of food in NC. What sets City Barbeque from any other place is that the customer service is excellent. The food is up to par and if something is wrong, the staff politely makes more to please the customer. City Barbeque makes the best barbeque and the best sandwiches. They make authentic barbeque that is out of this world. Katie the catering manager is someone that I have worked with since April of 2024. She is the best trainer anyone could have. I give all the thanks to her. I wouldn’t be a good caterer if it wasn’t for her training and expertise.

Caroline Mulac, Johns Creek, GA

I started City BBQ right after my 17th birthday. I started off working at the Decatur location while I waited for Johns Creek to open, and went through some extra training. Within the first month of us being open I slipped in the back of the store and dislocated my knee, had an ambulance called and was out of work for a month. I was eager to be back in the swing of the job and returned a week earlier than expected. That was 6 and a half years ago and I am still going strong. I have worked at four different locations in Georgia, been there for three general managers rotating through the store, worked through covid, high school, and college, became a certified trainer and shift lead and am now pursuing a job in marketing trying to start that aspect in the GA region. I have learned a lot at City BBQ, and feel like I have grown with this business through pivotal years in my life. The first thing I learned was patience, and a lot of it. Whether it was working with a difficult customer, or a rebellious coworker, waiting on food from boards, packaging a large order, I have learned to be patient in the way I handle things. I have also learned how to work with different personalities. You never know what hand you will be dealt with the staff you will get. Failure is not an option is another thing I have learned. There is always a way to fix something and rebuild a bad situation and we are given an exceptional amount of tools to help us achieve this. City BBQ is vastly different than any establishment I have set foot in. The values that City BBQ exhibits and standards we hold ourselves to go beyond just selling food. It’s about a community and creating that through good food and great service. Backyard hospitality is what really sets us apart. When you enter, you are treated like you’re coming into our home. We are not only there to serve you but to grow a relationship with you. Someone who I worked with that affected my life is my best friend Lindsay. I met Lindsay six and a half years ago when City BBQ first opened, and we are the only original staff members left at the Johns Creek location. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Lindsay LaFontaine you would know why I have put her. She has been a consistent in my life and is not only a part of my work life but my outside life. As I write this, we are on our way for a week vacation in Orlando. She motivates me in a way I can’t put into words. I took up certified training and shift lead because of her experience with these jobs. She makes me a better person at City BBQ and outside of City BBQ. We have been through a lot of ups and downs in the business working through no staff, covid, turnover of management, a whole new staff, and it feels like when new people come in, we try to set the foundation of what we want the atmosphere to be. Overall City BBQ has now been a 1/4 of my life and if you asked me 6 years ago I would never have guessed I would be in this place of my life still growing in the company. From doing offsite events, trying to figure out the new dynamic of a management position, meeting some of the best people I have met in my life, eating some great food, and lessons I will take into the future jobs I will hold, City BBQ has shaped me into who I am today.

James Ciolino, Fairfield, OH

When I first started at City BBQ I hated the person I had become. I felt as if my entire community did not want me around anymore and that it was time to give up. Fortunately, I started here and piece by piece of my life began turning around. City BBQ creates an inclusive environment where everyone can shine together. I love that at city BBQ we truly are family. Sometimes it may feel like a reality show though, at my store we have the cooky aunt, old grandpa, boy next door, crafty mom and a whole sleuth of other characters; we have no NPCs...lol. Each person at my store has helped me grow in many ways. But one person stands out the most to me and has helped me return to the person that I can now be proud of. He has become like a brother to me. When he is sick I looked out for him and when he wants to try something new, I try to make it happen. It broke my heart last year when I found out he didn't celebrate Christmas. I did everything in my effort this year for us to have a City BBQ Christmas party. Well now, our entire district gets to celebrate together and that makes me so happy. I really enjoy giving back to the people I care for and look forward to climbing the ladder at City BBQ in hopes to celebrate every milestone, holiday, and just any ol’ day with my ever growing City BBQ family.

Isacc Pobee, Greensboro Catering, NC

Working at City Barbeque, I learned how important it is to show attention to detail and consistency, especially when it comes to the food quality and customer service/satisfactory. Each order is a chance to make a customer’s day and I saw how every team member’s effort contributes to a great dining experience for everyone that orders from us. City Barbeque stands out because of its commitment to authenticity and quality of their food. They take their time with every dish and respect the craft of barbeque, which isn’t common in many restaurants. I work with a manager named Katie who has taught me a lot about leadership and staying calm under pressure ever since she got to the establishment. She handles every situation with quick-thinking and always made sure the team felt valued. Her examples have influenced how I approach challenges and teamwork, both professionally and personally.

Twyla Schroeder, Dayton Catering, OH

I have learned so much over my years at City Barbecue. I have grown into a better person today from when I started working for this company. I truly like seeing how food affects somebody's mood and appreciation. It makes me feel like I accomplish something. I have worked with so many people in the Dayton market over my years. Number one thing I learned is how to pull chicken. What sets City Barbeque apart from other companies are the core values. The freedom that Management gives to their staff to make their guest happy is truly something powerful. Someone who inspires me is Sally at the Centerville location.